Redoods [Paperback]

A ordinary subway trip is transformed when a young boy happens upon a book about redwood forests. As he reads the information unfolds, and with each new bit of knowledge, he travelsall the way to California to climb into the Redwood canopy. Crammed with interesting and accurate information about these great natural wonders, Jason Chin's first book is innovative nonfiction set within a strong and beautiful picture storybook. Chin's approach makesRedwoodsa must-have common core tool for teachers and librarians introducing scientific principals to young students.

Mixing the true and the truly wild, Jason Chin offers up engaging facts about the towering trees of California and Oregon along with bright, captivating illustrations that pluck a kid out of New York City and plunge him into the redwood forest. The Washington Post

The story in the illustrations shows in lovely metaphor how a tiny seed of information can take root in a fertile mind and grow into a strong, fire- and disease-resistant, redwood-sized understanding. Los Angeles Times

This eco-friendly introduction to our state tree relies on straightforward writing for the facts and soft-edged art for a fanciful perspective. San Francisco Chronicle

Chin packs a great deal of information into his succinct text, and the blend of fantasy and realism in his watercolors will charm readers. Science magazine

* Chin's watercolor illustrations capture both the majesty of the redwoods and the young boy's inquisitive personality, and while the idea of a storybook so vivid that it comes to life is not new, what sets this one apart is that Chin has paired his fantastical visual narrative with a straightforward nonfiction text.  The Horn Book, starred review

* The straightforward narrative is given enormous energy by the inventive format and realistic watercolor illustrations--their soft edges and muted hues suit the mist-shrouded giants. lS(